The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, has called on governments at all levels, parents, traditional institutions, religious leaders and critical stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the future of Nigerian children through deliberate investments in education, security, healthcare and moral upbringing.
He made the call in a statement issued by his Media Office to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, which is marked every May 27th.
Alli described children as the heartbeat of every nation and the living foundation upon which the future is built.
He stressed that the quality of leadership and protection given to children today will determine the strength and stability of Nigeria tomorrow.
He expressed concern over the numerous challenges confronting Nigerian children, including insecurity, poverty, rising cost of living, school abductions, child labour, drug abuse, declining moral values and limited access to quality education.
According to him, Children’s Day should go beyond ceremonial activities and colourful parades, but must serve as a national moment of reflection on the urgent responsibility to secure the future of younger generations.
“Our children deserve to grow in an atmosphere of peace, safety, learning, hope and opportunity. A nation that neglects its children gradually mortgages its own future.
“We cannot continue to expose innocent children to fear, hunger, violence and uncertainty while expecting them to become responsible leaders tomorrow,” he said.
Senator Alli, however, commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking bold and strategic steps since assuming office in 2023 to reposition Nigeria and create a more sustainable future for Nigerian children and youth.
He noted that despite prevailing economic challenges inherited over the years, the Tinubu administration has continued to initiate reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, expanding access to education, improving infrastructure, strengthening security architecture, supporting student loan schemes, promoting digital innovation and creating long-term opportunities for young Nigerians.
He said President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda represents a courageous effort to rebuild the nation’s economic foundation for future generations, adding that transformational leadership often requires difficult but necessary decisions.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon courage and visionary leadership in laying the foundation for a better Nigeria, where today’s children can inherit greater opportunities tomorrow.
“Though the reforms may come with temporary difficulties, they are necessary steps toward building a stronger, more productive and more prosperous nation for future generations.
“For this reason, Nigerians should continue to support the President and also give him the opportunity to continue his good work beyond 2027, so that the foundation currently being laid can fully mature into lasting national development,” Senator Alli stated.
He stressed that education remains the most powerful tool for defeating poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment, calling for greater investment in schools, teachers, digital learning, vocational education and child welfare initiatives.
Alli also urged parents to pay closer attention to the moral, emotional and intellectual development of their children in an era increasingly threatened by social media abuse, crime, drug addiction and erosion of family values.
“As leaders and parents, we must understand that every neglected child today can become a lost future tomorrow. But every child properly guided, educated and empowered becomes a blessing to society.
“The greatness of any nation is measured not merely by its natural resources or wealth, but by the hope and opportunities it provides for its children,” he added.
The APC governorship candidate reaffirmed his commitment to policies and programmes that would prioritise quality education, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, child protection and economic opportunities for families across Oyo State.
He encouraged children not to lose hope despite present challenges, urging them to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their dreams and aspirations. He was optimistic that abducted schoolchildren would regain their freedom soon.
Alli further charged teachers, community leaders, religious organisations and civil society groups to continue playing active roles in nurturing responsible, productive and patriotic future leaders.
He wished children in Oyo State and across Nigeria a peaceful, memorable and fulfilling Children’s Day celebration.
